In other words, the planets would seem to be aligned for the Dolphins to knock off the Patriots from their AFC East perch. Mike Wallace is new to the Dolphins, but he knows better than to write off the Pats.

"You never want to say, 'Oh, this happened and that happened,' because as soon as you say that, they come back at 12-4, 13-3," Wallace continued. "You learn just to accept the Patriots for who they are. But at the same time, we're in the same division as them, and we want to win the division. If you're not playing to win, why are you playing the game?"

We're in the same camp as Wallace on this issue. On paper, the Patriots are a weaker team than they were last season, especially if Gronkowski misses extended time. But the line forms to the right for people writing off Brady and Belichick. Have fun with that.